‘Hometown boy’ musician joins star-studded show

Local musician Terry Weeks has taken his music to Pigeon Forge as part of the Country Tonite show.

Weeks described it as being “like a Broadway show. There is a cast of professional musicians and professional dancers.”

This is his first season, and he said they began the 2014 run in March.

“I moved here and found a cabin in the first of March and started rehearsals,” said Weeks, who still has a home in Lebanon where his family lives. “March 27 was the first show.”

As to how he found this new opportunity, he said a friend told him about the job and he found it on Facebook.

“He insisted I try out for the job. He told me, ‘it’s perfect for you.’”

When Weeks went for his audition, he told the man running the show, “I don’t think this is for me.” But according to Weeks, the audition went well and the manager told him, “You’re exactly what we’re looking for.”

The audition, which happened in December, had Weeks pondering what he wanted to do.

“They were so nice to me,” he said. “I think it was God’s favor. When God opens the door, you walk through it.

“I went home and prayed about. My wife and daughter were very encouraging.”

For people interested in just what the show offers, Weeks said the show features country and gospel music. He said the songs range from old favorites to current hits.

“We’ve done some of the old Johnny Cash, The Band Perry, Blake Shelton,” Weeks said. He said each month they have an artist perform with the musicians, including country legends such as Loretta Lynn, the Oak Ridge Boys and Ronnie Milsap. An upcoming show will feature Aaron Tippin, Sammy Kershaw and Joe Diffie.

“So far its been real good. We have fun everyday. I’m having a blast playing with great musicians,” Weeks said. “I miss being with my family, but they come up on weekends sometimes.”

Not only has Weeks been enjoying his performances, he’s also met some interesting people. He mentioned talking to a man who grew up in Tupelo, Miss.

“I met a guy that came to the show the other night that said ‘I [hung] around with Elvis.’ He [hung] around before Elvis was Elvis.”

Weeks added that anyone interested in coming to the show will have plenty of other things to do. He said he has been told the town of Sevierville boasts nearly 12 million visitors a year.

“We have people come from all over the United States to see the show. There’s a lot of things to do. We’re only three hours from Lebanon. It’s an easy drive. I want to have people come out and see the show and see the hometown boy perform.”

For more information on the show visit countrytonitepf.com or call 865-453-2003.